The Moving Process
Saying goodbye to friends and starting out somewhere new is bound to be stressful, but the moving process doesn't have to be! Thoroughbred's here to be your personal relocation assistant, with four easy-to-understand moving stages and tips and tricks to help you out along the way.
Part 1: Get Started
Decide if you're financially and mentally ready to move and break the news to family and friends.
Part 2: Plan and Pack
Learn how to hire a mover, rent a relocation truck, avoid moving scams and pack up like a pro.
Part 3: Moving Day
Whether you're working with pros or pals, these tips will make moving day go more smoothly.
Part 4: Settle In
Congratulations, you've moved! Our tips will help you adjust to your new home and community.
Part 1: Get Started
- Step 1: Decide
if you're really ready to move. Whether you're moving to a
new city or across town, you'll spend a lot of time and money
relocating. You'll have to sell your house, buy a new one and sort, pack
and move your belongings. Are you ready to make the investment? Think
about the following questions:
- How urgently do you need to move? If you're going through a major life change, like a new job, divorce or family emergency, throw that "for sale" sign in the yard. Even in the current housing market, a home that's correctly priced and in good condition should sell quickly. If you're not motivated to sell at market value, whatever that might be, seriously consider postponing your move
- Would home upgrades change the moving equation? If you can't stand your master bathroom, consider remodeling it rather than trading it in. Updating your home now will raise your home value when you decide to sell.
- Can you wait until the moving off-season? Movers are in demand during the summer months; rates are much less expensive between October and April. If your relocation dates are flexible, you could save some money.
- Step 2: Find a community that will fit your lifestyle.You've decided you want to relocate, and now you need to choose a new place to live. Start with a blank slate to create your ideal place from scratch.
- Consider what's lacking in your current town and what's working. Write down a list of requirements for your dream town, then start searching in the real world! Need help? Ask yourself these questions to get started.
- If you're a first-time buyer, read about the best places for first time buyers.
- Once you've chosen a city, narrow down the neighborhood options. Learn about 12 different kinds of neighborhoods and get tips on how to choose a neighborhood.
- Step 3: Assess your financial situation. Your mind is ready to move, but what about your pocketbook? Make sure you have the financial resources to make your relocation a reality.
- If you're considering moving for a job, have you negotiated an adequate relocation package? Talk to friends, relatives or colleagues who live in the area and can give you realistic and up-to-date estimates, particularly if you'll be moving abroad.
- If you're currently renting and want to buy your first home, read our First-Time Homebuyer's Guide to help you get financially ready to buy.
- Current homeowners have a double burden: sell a home and buy a new one. Investigate how much you will net from the sale of your current home before you research how much it will cost to buy your new home. If you discover that the likely sale price of your home won't afford you the home or lifestyle you envision, you may want to delay your relocation plans.
- If your current home hasn't sold and you need to move quickly, you may be able to get a "bridge loan" -- a short-term loan that can give you cash for a new home.
- If you decide purchase a new home, assess what you have left for moving expenses. Put together a moving budget to find out what type of move you can afford. Strapped for cash?
- Step 4: Ready to
move? Break the news to your family and friends. Once you've decided to
relocate, it's time to let family and friends in the loop.
- If you have children, telling
them about moving can be difficult. Here are some tips to make the
news go over more smoothly:
- Tell them about the move early on -- you don't want them to hear the news from a family friend or relative.
- Pick a private setting, and try to minimize interruptions by turning off cell phones and the television.
- Focus on the positive aspects of moving, such as meeting new friends or experiencing a new culture
- Let older children help with moving decisions to ease their fear and anxiety.
- Moving is difficult for everyone -- even the ones staying behind. Tell your friends and family members well in advance of your move so they have plenty of time to process the information and say goodbye.
- If you have children, telling
them about moving can be difficult. Here are some tips to make the
news go over more smoothly:
Part 2: Plan and Pack
When you make the decision to move, the clock starts ticking to your moving day. Tackle these tasks ahead of time to ensure a smooth transition into your new home.
Part 3: Moving Day.
You've done everything in your power to stave off potential moving day nightmares, and now it's time to make moving day go as smoothly as possible.
When you make the decision to move, the clock starts ticking to your moving day. Tackle these tasks ahead of time to ensure a smooth transition into your new home.
The Steps
- Step 1: Research your moving options and hire a mover. You probably know very
little about the moving industry, aside from seeing the occasional
moving van heading down the interstate. And often, what you do know
might involve tales of unscrupulous and conniving movers. Learn the
facts to be an informed, savvy consumer who knows how to spot a moving
scam.
- All moving companies are not created equal. Learn the facts about the four types of moving companies: van lines, van line agents, independent or "full service" carriers and moving brokers.
- Looking for a budget moving option? Find out about renting a moving truck for a do-it-yourself move.
- Find out the difference in pricing between and intrastate or local move and a interstate move.
- Contact your insurance agent to ask about coverage while you're in transit. Then, research moving protection options to determine if you need extra coverage. Get high-value items appraised.
- Learn how to avoid Internet moving scams.
- Decide what type of mover you want to use based on the amount of money in your moving budget.
- If you decide to hire a moving company, ask
friends, family and local businesses for recommendations. Do some
research to answer
questions like these:
- Does the company have a local presence?
- Does the company have a state license?
- Are there many unresolved complaints against the company at the Better Business Bureau?
- Does the mover carry proper insurance?
- At
least two months before you move, schedule an in-home
estimate with at least three movers. This in-home survey is the
only way you will get an accurate assessment of what it will cost you to
move. During the estimate, ask questions like these:
- How long has your company been around?
- How long have you been giving moving estimates?
- How will you handle my valuables?
- Before you choose an estimate, make sure each is based on the quantity of things moved, as well as any physical constraints (stairs, etc.) movers will have to deal with. Beware of an estimate that is much higher or lower than others you receive.
- Know exactly what you're paying for. Make sure your mover knows everything you're planning to take with you to avoid hidden moving costs.
- Step 2:
Make travel and storage arrangements.close
At least 2 months before you move:- Make travel arrangements for you and your family. Plan to arrive well before your movers' scheduled arrival. Flying with a pet? Make sure your flight is Fido-friendly.
- Got enough people to drive your cars to your new home? It not, you'll need a car mover.
- Do you need storage? Start researching storage units and mobile storage now.
- Step 3:
Get your paperwork in order.
Call your service companies and organize important papers at least a month before you relocate. Changing your address before you skip town can prevent major hassles like past-due bills, service lapses, and even identity theft.- Make a list of all your service providers and organizations and tell them your new address.
- Create a folder for moving-related receipts. This will come in handy for next year's tax return -- many moving expenses are tax deductible.
- Check the requirements for a new driver's license and complete auto registration at your new motor vehicle location.
- Organize important documents, like your will, passport, deeds and financial statements. Carry them with you when you move, and make copies to pack with your other goods.
- Notify old and new schools and arrange for the transfer of school records and begin the process of registering in new schools
- Open a new banking account. Don't close your old one until you move. If you bank online, be sure to update your address for statement delivery.
- Step 4: Pare down your belongings.
Before you move, you're forced to look through everything buried in your house. If some of your belongings haven't been seen since you took them off the last moving truck, it's the perfect time to ditch old stuff. Here's how to do it:- Reevaluate
all your stuff, no matter how much it cost or who gave it to you.
Don't forget to:
- Remember where and why you're moving, and pack accordingly.
- Leave behind notorious clutter items: unread books, unfinished projects, etc.
- If you're combining two households, eliminate duplicate furniture, appliances and cookware.
- Tell your friends and family you're paring down possessions. You'll feel better, and it'll be easier giving up that expensive couch, if you know your best friend will make good use of it.
- Have a yard sale -- you can get rid of things you don't use and avoid paying to move them; and you'll make some extra cash that you can spend on new things in your next home.
- Consider donating unsold items to charity. You were willing to sell them, so why not help out a good cause instead?
- Reevaluate
all your stuff, no matter how much it cost or who gave it to you.
Don't forget to:
- Step 5:
Start packing.
After you've weeded out the clutter, it's time to start packing up your belongings.- Before you start packing, create a written, digital photo or video inventory of your stuff. You can compare against the moving company's list to ensure you don't lose anything in the move. This will help you figure out how many boxes you'll need.
- Make a packing plan, and assign everyone a task, including the kids.
- Next, you'll need to find packing supplies.
- You can use many things you already have on
hand: fill your suitcases and plastic bins, then line with old
towels,sheets, scarves and pillows as packing material.
- Buy budget-friendly recycled cardboard boxes, or pick up new ones.
- You'll also need tape, markers, a box cutter and other packing supplies.
- Want an eco-friendly move? Read up on our green moving tips.
- Now start packing!
- Pack what you use least often first.
- Concentrate on one room at a time -- focus on small tasks rather than the entire project.
- Write the contents of each box on the outside, and include the room it will go in the new house. Also, where applicable mark the boxes "Fragile," "Do not load," or "Load last"
- Collect valuable items such as jewelry or heirlooms and keep them separate from the rest of your packed belongings so you don't risk losing them.
- Wait
until the week of the move to pack these items:
- Back up your computer files on a disk or flash memory drive. You should plan to take these files with you in the car or whatever mode of transportation you will be using to get to your new home. Exposure to extreme temperatures can damage your software and files.
- Get together all keys, alarm codes and garage door openers and place them in a folder so that you can be prepared to hand them over to the new owner or real estate agent.
- Begin cleaning any rooms in your house that have been emptied, such as closets, basements or attics, and check to make sure you did not leave anything unpacked.
- Step 6: Get to know your new home and community.
Planning your new home and learning about your new community before you move will ease the transition for you and your family.- Research your new community and schools so you know as much as possible before you move. If you have children, put together a folder for each child that includes brochures about the new city such as theaters, libraries, parks and sports teams. Be sure to include information on activities they enjoy.
- Start planning where things will go in your new home. Are you taking appliances? If so, draw up a plan for how to handle them.
- Make an unpacking plan for the new home -- who does what and diagram where the furniture goes. The movers will not rearrange your furniture for you, so think this through.
- Step 7: Finalize your moving plans.
Two weeks before you move, all of your arrangements should be made.- Check with your mover to confirm all the details of the move are set. Find out if you'll owe money after the move and find out what form of payment they accept.
- Confirm closing/move-in dates with your real estate agent; confirm dates with your storage people.
- Discuss contingency plan for the movers running late. Where will you sleep?
- Moving plants? Check on their special moving needs.
- Arrange for professional cleaning of the your old and new home.
- Arrange childcare and pet care for the day of your move, or think about a "safe" room they can be during the move itself so they're out of the way.
- Is your pet ready to relocate? Confirm transportation plans, and make sure someone can watch your pet during the move.
- Notify the police in your town if your home will be uninhabited for a long period of time.
- Double check that your utilities are set to be connected in your new home.
Part 3: Moving Day.
You've done everything in your power to stave off potential moving day nightmares, and now it's time to make moving day go as smoothly as possible.
The Steps
- Step 1: Keep a
box with all the essentials.
Put together a moving day survival kit with items you'll need for the trip and immediately after you arrive at your new home:- ID
- Your wallet, checkbook and/or ATM card
- Bottled water
- Toothbrush, toothpaste and soap
- Any prescription medications
- Aspirin
- Snacks that don't require refrigeration or cooking (granola bars, nuts, bread, PB, etc)
- Paper cups, paper plates and plastic utensils
- Towels
- Sheets
- Scissors and tape
- Closing documents if you're buying a new home
- Important files
- Medical records
- Pet food and pet littler, if applicable
- Step 2:
Load the truck.
If you hired movers, you may be tempted to let them run the show. But you'll save chaos in the long run if you supervise the process.- Check the inventory list and sign it. Put your copy in your moving folder.
- Read the Bill of Lading carefully and sign it, if it is correct.
- Write out a list for your movers of things they'll need: phone numbers; exact moving address and maps.
- Make sure you have the moving companies contact information with you in your moving folder.
- Whether you're working with pros or pals, provide snacks and water for everyone who's helping out.
- Step 3:
Check the house before you leave.
Once your stuff is on its way to your new home, you'll want to make one last pass through your old haunt to make sure everything's shipshape. Don't forget to:- Check the house for anything you may have forgotten. Check every closet, the attic, the crawl space, the garage, the medicine cabinet, and the drawer under your oven. If you're leaving any furniture behind for the next owners, make sure all the drawers are empty.
- Check for any damages caused by the movers. You don't want to lose part of your security deposit or haggle with homebuyers because your cupboard left a hole in the wall.
- Write down your meter readings. When you receive your final bill from your utility companies, verify that the figures match up.
- Have cash tips of $20 to $25 dollars per mover ready, along with money for any tolls along the way.
- Step 4:
Arrive at your new home and unload the truck.
Try to arrive at your new home before the moving truck does, otherwise you may be billed for the thumb-twiddling period. Once you arrive:- Do a walk through with your real estate agent. Make sure everything is where it's supposed to be.
- Tape names to doors to assist movers; map out floor layouts so movers know what's going where.
- Try to avoid putting boxes in the basement; you'll be less likely to unpack boxes you can't see.
Part 4: Settle In
Congratulations, you've arrived at your new home! Once your boxes arrive and you start to unpack, it's time to get settled and explore your new community.
Congratulations, you've arrived at your new home! Once your boxes arrive and you start to unpack, it's time to get settled and explore your new community.
The Steps
- Step 1: Find out
if your belongings were lost or damaged during the move.
Even if you've hired movers who are courteous, efficient, and ethical, they still have one potential pitfall: They're human. And that means you may wind up with a lost or damaged item. So what should you do if a box of belongings arrives in pieces -- or just fails to materialize?- Reread the Bill of Lading. It contains the terms of your agreement -- including information on the type of liability you and your mover agreed upon.
- Check every item on your inventory sheet -- don't sign anything until you've checked each box. Make a note of the damages.
- File a claim within nine months of the move. The sooner you file, the stronger your case will be.
- Step 2: Make
your new house a home. Now that you've successfully cruised through moving
day, you can start turning your new digs into a home sweet home
- Unpack one room at a time. The kitchen is a good place to start -- it's the hub of most homes, and besides, too much takeout can be hard on the wallet
- Establish a sanctuary within your home. Choose one room to decorate immediately, and fill it with your favorite items. You can retreat to this room when you need a break the rest of your work-in-progress.
- Add quick, inexpensive decorative touches to the whole house in the first few weeks -- you can remove them as you implement home improvement plan.
- Step 3: Explore your surroundings.
Once your house is in order, take some time to explore your new community. Start with the nuts and bolts:- Find the nearest post office, bank, grocery store, police department, fire department, and hospital.
- Update your driver's license and car registration with the DMV; if you're not a fan of standing in line, log on to your state's DMV website.
- Register to vote in your new district, and find out where the nearest polling location is.
- Call your town's sanitation department and see if curbside pickup is offered for trash and recycling.
- Get acquainted with the rules and regulations of your apartment complex or homeowners' association.
- Send e-mails or moving announcements to your friends and family with your new address and phone number.
- If you belong to a church, club, or professional organization, find a local chapter.
- Join a recreational sports team.
- Check the local paper for community events or festivals.
- Go online and search for people with similar interests.
